When it comes to noise control in HVAC systems, certified performance isn’t just a benefit—it’s a necessity. Engineers, contractors, and building owners rely on accurate data to specify solutions that enhance occupant comfort while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Price Industries understands this need, which is why they operate the only NVLAP-accredited noise control laboratory in North America. Their commitment to rigorous testing and the latest standards ensures that their silencers and noise control products deliver verified, repeatable performance in real-world applications.
Why NVLAP Accreditation Matters
The National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) is a globally recognized accreditation that ensures testing laboratories meet the highest standards for accuracy and consistency. In the HVAC industry, this means that silencer performance data from Price Industries is independently verified and highly reliable—giving engineers confidence that the products they specify will perform as expected.
Without NVLAP accreditation, performance claims can vary significantly, leading to inconsistent noise reduction, unpredictable results, and potential occupant discomfort. Price’s NVLAP-accredited lab eliminates these risks by providing certified, trustworthy data that meets or exceeds industry expectations.
Testing to the Latest Standard: ASTM E477-20
When specifying noise control products, it’s critical to ensure they are tested to the latest version of ASTM E477, the industry’s standard for evaluating silencer performance.
The most recent version, ASTM E477-20, sets a new benchmark for accuracy. Compared to older versions, it features tighter reproducibility limits, reducing variability in test results. Some manufacturers still rely on outdated standards, which allow for a wider range of performance fluctuations. This can result in overstated attenuation values and underperforming silencers in the field.
By testing exclusively to ASTM E477-20, Price Industries ensures that the published performance of their silencers is a true reflection of how they will perform in real installations—giving engineers confidence that their designs will meet required noise levels.
The RAC: Certified Performance Over Field-Fabricated Return Boots
Another innovation backed by NVLAP-accredited testing is the Return Air Canopy (RAC)—an engineered alternative to traditional field-fabricated return boots.
Field-fabricated return boots are often assembled on-site, leading to inconsistencies in construction and potential flanking paths, where noise can bypass the intended attenuation system and re-enter the occupied space.
The RAC is designed and tested to eliminate these issues, providing consistent, certified performance with no guesswork. Engineers and contractors can specify the RAC with confidence, knowing it will meet stringent noise control requirements without relying on field modifications.
Ensuring Long-Term Noise Control Success
The performance of a noise control system is only as reliable as the data behind it. Using products tested in a NVLAP-accredited lab to the latest ASTM E477-20 standard ensures repeatable, verifiable performance.
For engineers and contractors looking to design quiet, comfortable spaces, specifying Price Industries’ certified noise control solutions is a smart decision. Their NVLAP-accredited testing sets them apart, ensuring that every product performs as advertised, every time.
Learn More
Looking for tested, certified noise control solutions? Contact Michigan Air Products to discuss your project’s needs and explore Price Industries’ full range of NVLAP-accredited products.